They wore different uniforms, carried different weapons and displayed different violent and hateful pathologies when they stormed through Charlottesville, Va. But they all had one thing in common.

White Christian leaders, who once justified slavery, defended segregation, condoned lynching and ignored legal discrimination, no longer have their back.

"The so-called alt-right white-supremacist ideologies are anti-Christ and Satanic to the core," said Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Convention, which once defended slavery as biblical.

"White supremacist and neo-Nazi ideologies are abhorrent and entirely inconsistent with the Christian faith," said Bishop Bruce Ough of the United Methodist Church, which once split over slavery.

"Church members who promote or pursue a 'white culture' or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church," said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which once banned black members from its priesthood and sacraments.

The church's quick, clear and unequivocal condemnation of white supremacy last week stood in sharp contrast to President Donald Trump's vacillations blaming the violence on "both sides" and "many sides."

As the theological underpinnings of white supremacy in America have all but been removed, the political ideology of white supremacy seems to grown stronger.

White supremacy's re-emergence comes as the percentage of Americans who identify as white and Christian has declined from 54 percent a decades ago to 45 percent — less than a majority — today.

"What we're seeing is the sort of third wave of white reaction and resistance to racial progress and diversity," said Robert Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute and author of "The End of White Christian America.".

The first wave came when Reconstruction gave way to Jim Crow segregation, the second when Brown v. Board of Education set off the modern civil rights movement.

The latest surge comes as the nation's first African-American president was succeeded by a conservative white president who continues to stoke white working-class anxiety and resentment.

Each wave is an attempt to reestablish white authority, especially in the South, symbolized by the veneration, defense and preservation of Confederate statues and monuments.

The violent clashes in Charlottesville were centered around plans to remove a statute of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which was commissioned in 1917. Nearly all Confederate monuments were installed from 1900-1920 and from 1954-1968.

A photo of Heather Heyer, who was killed during a white nationalist rally, sits on the ground at a memorial the day her life was celebrated at the Paramount Theater on Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Evan Vucci, AP

Marcus Martin, right, hugs Marissa Blair, left, during a memorial for Heather Heyer on Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Martin pushed Blair out of the way of the vehicle that killed Heyer. Pool photo by Andrew Shurtleff

Clergy observe a moment of silence during the memorial service for Heather Heyer outside the Paramount Theater Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. The memorial service was held four days after Heyer was killed when a participant in a white nationalist, neo-Nazi rally allegedly drove his car into the crowd of people demonstrating against the 'alt-right' gathering. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Jason Charter of Washington, left, stands at the site where Heather Heyer was killed during a white nationalist rally on Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Charter was at the scene when a car rammed into a crowd of people protesting the rally. Evan Vucci, AP

A chalk message calling for a park to be renamed after Heather Heyer is written in the street where she was killed and 19 others injured when a car slamed into a crowd of people protesting against a white supremacist rally, Aug. 16, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Mason Pickett, a Charlottesville resident, tries to toss a wire over the chalk wall to hang up a wreath. Following protests that turned violent on Aug. 12, 2017, and a day of memorial and mourning on 13th, Charlottesville, Va, continues to recover. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Tannis Fuller embraces her son while her husband and other son stands nearby. Fuller moved to Charlottesville in 2003 and started a family from scratch, both her sons were born in the town and she was just blocks away at the time when Heather Heyer was killed. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

The memorial on 4th Street is built up with more flowers while two spectators drop their bouquets into the formation. Following protests that turned violent on Saturday and a day of memorial and mourning on Sunday, the town of Charlottesville, Va., continues to recover from the social rift. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

People gather at an informal memorial at the site where 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed when a car plowed into a crowd of people protesting against the white supremacist Unite the Right rally on Aug. 13, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Charlottesville is calm the day after violence errupted around the Unite the Right rally, a gathering of white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan and members of the 'alt-right,' that left Heyer dead and injured 19 others. Win McNamee, Getty Images

After threats of alt-right presence in the area, a crowd of hundreds of mourners and citizens showed up to a vigil on Aug. 13, 2017, at the crash site in Charlottesville, Va., where Heather Heyer was killed when a car barreled into a group of protesters. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Brittney Cain-Conley, lead organizer for Congregate Charlottesville, with hat, gets a hug from a supporter after she addressed the crowd during a vigil on, Aug. 13, 2017, held at the site where a car plowed into a crowd of people protesting a white nationalist rally on Saturday in Charlottesville, Va. Steve Helber, AP

Hundreds of people gather for a vigil on the spot where 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed when a car plowed into a crowd of people protesting against the white supremacist Unite the Right rally Aug. 13, 2017, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Flowers and notes are left in memory of Heather Heyer, who died after she was struck when a car plowed into a crowd protesting the 'Unite the Right' rally. Mykal McEldowney, Indy Star-USA TODAY NETWORK

David Brear, gray shirt, Kerry Rock, facing camera, and Colleen Todd, red shirt, embrace after visiting the memorial for the three who passed away the day before during the protests. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY Sports

A protester throws a punch at Jason Kessler after grabbing at his shoulder during a press conference. Kessler, an alt-right blogger, held a press conference in front of Charlottesville City Hall the day after the protests, where a crowd of counter protesters arrived to shout over him while he spoke into the microphone on Aug. 13, 2017. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Virginia police are stationed in locations all around the podium as Jason Kessler, an alt-right blogger, holds a press conference in front of Charlottesville City Hall the day after the protests, where a crowd of counter protesters arrived to shout over him while he spoke on Aug. 13, 2017. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY Sports

"I just don't want to see people get hurt anymore," said Charlottesville resident Mai Shurtleff, left. "I have a little girl I just can't imagine." As Shurtleff sat weeping on the sidewalk near the site where a car plowed into a group of counter protesters killing one, Damonia Lee approached. "We are fighting for equality. I was here. I hugged her. She was so sweet," Lee said, about the young female who lost her life. "We're going to take our city back. This is a city of love." Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A counter protester warns police that if actions, hate aren't stopped he will 'do something' on his own. He and others voiced their opinions over a loud speaker after the press conference by 'Unite the Right' organizer Jason Kessler in Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Crowd members play loud instruments and yell as to drown out the voice of 'Unite the Right' rally organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler as he speaks to a large crowd gathered at Charlottesville City Hall on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Nicole Curry, a life-long resident of Charlottesville, watches from inside the Charlottesville Downtown Visitors Center as people start to file onto the grounds in front of City Hall to watch a press conference by 'Unite the Right' organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

'Unite the Right' rally organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler speaks to a large crowd gathered at Charlottesville City Hall. Crowd members played loud instruments and yelled as to drown out his voice on Aug. 13, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Following the violence during the Alt-right rally and counter protests, where one person was killed and nineteen injured after being hit by a car, the city of Charlottesville reacts. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Jewel King presents flowers to a small memorial following the violence at the Alt-right rally and counter protests where one person was killed and nineteen injured after being hit by a car. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

David Heins spreads flowers in the shape of a heart on Sunday in Charlottesville, Va., a day after one person died in violent protests when white supremacists clashed with counter protesters. Henry Taylor, USA TODAY

Charlottesville resident Mai Shurtleff, right, sits weeping on the sidewalk near the site where a car plowed into a group of counter protesters killing one. "This wasn't something I expected to happen in our town," she said as Charlottesville resident Bob Kiefer consoled her on Aug. 13, 2017. "This does not define Charlottesville at all. We are a strong, loving community. I don't even know this gentleman but as strangers we are friends. This is what makes us stronger together." Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

TC Whysall, manager at Red Pump Kitchen in Charlottesville, lays white roses on the site where a car plowed into a group of counter protesters killing one. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

People fly into the air as a vehicle drives into a group of protesters demonstrating against a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. The nationalists were holding the rally to protest plans by the city of Charlottesville to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. There were several hundred protesters marching in a long line when the car drove into a group of them. Ryan M. Kelly, The Daily Progress via AP

Virginia State Police inspect the site where a vehicle hit protesters in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. According to media reports at least one person was killed and 19 injured after a car hit a crowd of people counter-protesting the 'Unite the Right' rally. Tasos Katopodis, European Pressphoto Agency

Police and members of the National Guard patrol near the location where a car plowed into a crowd of people marching through a downtown shopping district on Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

AUGUST 12: Krystin Rines, center, rests her head on her husband Tyler Rines' shoulder during a vigil for those who were injured and died when a car plowed into a crowd of anti-fascist counter-demonstrators marching near a downtown shopping area Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Win McNamee, Getty Images

People place flowers at a makeshift memorial during a vigil for those who were injured and died when a car plowed into a crowd of anti-facist counter-demonstrators marching near a downtown shopping area Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Win McNamee, Getty Images

People gather for a vigil after a car plowed through a crowd of demonstrators, killing one person and injuring 18 others, during violence at the white nationalist 'United the Right' rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency after white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" violently clashed with anti-facist and Black Lives Matter counter-demonstrators at Emancipation Park. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

A car plows into pedestrians and vehicles on the mall in Charlottesville after Saturday's white supremacist rally. The driver hit the knot of cars and people at high speed, then backed up and fled the scene. Jeremiah Knupp, Special to The News Leader via USA TODAY Network

Rescue personnel help injured people after a car ran into a large group of protesters after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. The nationalists were holding the rally to protest plans by the city of Charlottesville to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. There were several hundred protesters marching in a long line when the car drove into a group of them. Steve Helber, AP

A member of a white nationalist group recovers after being hit by a counter protester on the grounds of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during a 'Unite the Right' rally. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

A member of a white nationalist group recovers after being hit by pepper spray by a counter protester on the grounds of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during a 'Unite the Right' rally. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

White nationalists swing their flag sticks and use makeshift shields to push their way through counter protesters at Emancipation Park during the 'Unite the Right' rallyon Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A white nationalist prepares to swing his flag stick and use makeshift shields to help push his crew's way through counter protesters at Emancipation Park during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A Charlottesville police officer breaks up a fight on the street in front of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A counter protester, left, feuds with a white nationalist on the street in front of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A white nationalist guards the entrance to Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally on Aug.12, 2017. The man wore a red wings pin on the collar of his shirt. According to the Detroit Free Press, "The Detroit Red Wings are exploring possible legal action after a slightly modified team logo appeared on signs held by protesters at a violent and deadly white nationalist rally in Virginia on Saturday. " Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

A Charlottesville Police officer breaks up a fight on the street in front of Emancipation Park, formerly known as Lee Park, during the 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar via USA TODAY NETWORK

Colleen Cook, 26, holds a sign as hundreds of people are facing off in Charlottesville, Va., ahead of a white nationalist rally planned in the Virginia city's downtown on Aug. 12, 2017. Cook, a teacher who attended UVA, said she sent her black son out of town for the weekend. "This isn't how he should have to grow up," she said. Sarah Rankin, AP

White nationalist Richard Spencer, center, and his supporters clash with Virginia State Police in Lee Park after the "United the Right" rally was declared an unlawful gathering Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clashed with anti-facist protesters and police as they attempted to hold a rally in Lee Park, where a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee is slated to be removed. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" are confronted by protesters as they march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "United the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "United the Right" rally Aug.12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. A Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "United the Right" rally Aug.12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clash with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" exchange vollys of pepper spray with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" exchange insults with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" exchange insults with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clash with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

White nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" clash with counter-protesters as they enter Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

A man makes a slashing motion across his throat twoard counter-protesters as he marches with other white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Counter-protesters line the route taken by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Counter-protesters line the route taken by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Counter-protesters line the route taken by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" during the "Unite the Right" rally Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va. Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

Multiple white nationalist groups march with torches through the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville on Aug. 11, 2017. When met by counter protesters, some yelling "Black lives matter," tempers turned into violence. Multiple punches were thrown, pepper spray was sprayed and torches were used as weapons.
Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

Campus and state police yell to disperse as white nationalists and counter protesters feud on the UVA campus in Charlottesville on August 11, 2017. Mykal McEldowney, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY NETWORK

In Memphis, the Nathan Bedford Forrest statue was installed in 1905, and the Jefferson Davis statue in 1964.

The church at large no longer condones racism or its symbols, "but it's only beginning to deal with how the legacy of racism and white supremacy has shaped their theology, churches, and world views," Jones said.

That explains why the Southern Baptist Convention didn't apologize for its racist history until 1995, and why the SBC hesitated last June to condemn white nationalism, white supremacy and the alt-right.

It also explains why 80 percent of African-Americans see Confederate flags and statues as symbols of racism, but 60-70 percent of white Christians — including President Trump — see them as historic expressions of Southern pride.

The church at large now condemns racism and white supremacy, but it's still struggling to understand and acknowledge white privilege.

"Unlike the days of Jim Crow, today's white supremacists make no attempt to use Christian language to justify their beliefs or actions," said Joseph Reiff, religion professor at Emory & Henry College in Emory, Va., and author of "Born of Conviction."

"What they are really protesting is the loss of their white privilege, the potential loss of their favored status in America. White supremacy is the belief system and the power system that sustains white privilege."

Reiff grew up in the United Methodist Church in Mississippi. Jones grew up in the Southern Baptist church in Mississippi.

Both have seen the church work to remove its theological support for white supremacy. Both believe the church still has work to do.

"White Christians need to acknowledge and confess our privileged status and our conscious and unconscious complicity in the ongoing reality of white supremacy in the U.S.," Reiff said.

"White Christian churches still have a lot of soul-searching left to do," said Jones.